Shayla's Double Brown Baby Blues

Reader reviewed by bookworm9

When her half-sister Gift is born on Shaylas thirteenth birthday, Shayla is more than jealous. She can tell that Gift is someone special, and that her father, a big-time player, is finally ready to settle down and be a dad. But Shaylas problems are nothing compared to those of her friends. Best friend Kambia seems to be recovering from her horrible past, but she suffers some big setbacks when she receives some mysterious and threatening packages connecting to her old life. Who could be sending them? Meanwhile, new friend Lemm is a smooth talker, but what are his words hiding?

The cover calls this a companion, and not a sequel, to Williams first novel, When Kambia Elaine Flew in from Neptune, but its pretty much crucial to read the first book in order to understand the relationship between Shayla and Kambia. Like the first book, this one is hard-hitting, and deals with a lot of sad issues that the usual YA doesnt. Its also beautifully written, with strong messages about friendship and trust.